County fair season is starting to slow down for many families in the Ozarks, just in time to gear up for larger regional and state fairs.
I work a couple of fairs in the summer and enjoy them, but I’m glad when they are over so I can get back to my version of normal. I’m a creature of habit, so if my schedule changes too much, I’m lost for days.
I tend to need a few bandages at fairs. As I tried to take hog pictures one year, one decided my hand would be a great thing to eat instead of the marshmallow I was holding in the other hand. As I was trying to move some things around this year, a drill slipped and got my finger pretty good. I didn’t need stitches, but Bill said I could no longer borrow his drill. On a side note, he should know if I say, “Honey, I need (whatever tool),” it will not end well for me, yet he still gives me drills, hammers, sharp knives and other things that can potentially lead to a trip to the ER.
There’s a lot of work involved in a fair, regardless of size, for the exhibitors and their families, fair board members, workers and volunteers. The days are long, hot, exhausting, and can be a little stressful (and I do get stressed), but when it’s all done, there is a feeling of accomplishment.
It’s not unusual for a circle of camp chairs to form in the barn isles as adults and kids alike gather around to catch up with friends they only see in the summer months. I like to call those circles the “fair social club.” Lots of laughter can be heard coming from the circles, and the competition stays in the ring.
I have a large fair family. Those are people I see only a time or two a year, typically at a fair. I have enjoyed watching kids grow up and become adults and seeing them bring their kids back to the same fairs.
Fairs mean different things to everyone, but to me, they are all about the kids. Seeing a kid get a ribbon or a little trophy for the first time is amazing. More than once, I’ve been left with a hog or a goat in the ring after the young handler was handed a ribbon; they were excited and wanted to show Mom or Dad their prize. That excitement continues as we go to the backdrop to take their picture.
Those smiles are every long, hot day in my book.
Julie Turner-Crawford is a native of Dallas County, Mo., where she grew up on her family’s farm. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 or by email at [email protected].
